Teacher Feature

Secondary Teacher – Braydon Giles

Meet Braydon Giles, one of our passionate secondary teachers, as he discusses his teaching philosophy.

Design Technology Teacher – Chris Ralph

in 2018 Chris celebrates 20 Years of service at St John’s Anglican College. During this time, he has overseen the implementation of many curriculum initiatives in the Design and Technology and STEM areas. In addition, he has co-authored two textbooks and lectures at the Tertiary level. This hard work and has seen Chris nominated for number teaching awards in Excellence. Chris was one of the first teachers to use 3D printers in a classroom setting and he designed a school-based rapid prototyping lab, another first for Queensland Schools.

Off the back of his recent presentation on Drones at the Queensland Design and Technology Teacher’s Association State Conference, Chris will present at the World of Drones Congress in August. His presentation entitled; Using Drones to foster 21st Century Skills and Collaborative learning showcases the work of students at St John’s. Drone based learning has been the vehicle through which students have been exposed to collaborative learning and critical thinking strategies; skills identified by the Queensland Studies Authority as essential for 21st Century learners.

Chris decided to implement a Drone Program at College largely in response to growing demand of this form of Technology in South East Queensland. Plus, “it’s a fun way to learn” boasts Chris. Students enjoy the applied learning. The courses are so popular that even a Drone club has been formed where students can expand upon their skills and take to the skies during lunch times.